Final answer:
The principle of nursing care for cognitively impaired older adults is to maintain physical health without isolating them, and assist with ADLs as needed while consistently evaluating their symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nursing Care Principles for Cognitively Impaired Older Adults
When providing nursing care to cognitively impaired older adults, such as a patient with dementia who has undergone hip replacement surgery, an important principle is to maintain physical health. This includes assessing and managing environmental and nutritional factors that could impact the condition. Cognitive impairment can range from mild to severe over time, with progressive symptoms like disruptive memory loss, difficulty with tasks, and personality changes. While there is no cure for diseases like Alzheimer's, cognitive rehabilitation and strategies such as virtual reality may provide some benefit for certain functions. Importantly, good nursing care should not involve isolating patients; instead, it involves promoting their independence as much as possible, assisting with activities of daily living (ADLs) as needed, and ensuring regular evaluation of their symptoms.